Akaiami Island, Rarotonga Accommodation

Between 1951 and 1960, Akaiami Island was the site of the Aitutaki Island terminus for the TEAL(Tasman Empire Airlines Ltd) flying boat service- the original Coral Route.At the time, it was the only air service available to both the Cook Islands and Tahiti, which did not then have an airport. Flying at only 150 knots, the giant four engine Short Solent flying boats were the luxuriously romantic way to tour the islands. It was one of the world's great classical travel experiences - like a voyage on the QEII, or a journey on the Orient Express.Today you can stay on Akaiami Island at Gina's Akaiami Lodge, just by the old TEAL wharf and experience the beauty and peace of Akaiami Island, just like the passengers on those seaplanes did over fifty years ago.